A night of live music, local ales, and dancing is being held to commemorate a memorable event in a west Suffolk village’s history.

Glemsford Riot Night will mark the polling riots of 1885 when around 400 men from the village descended on Long Melford to demand their own polling station.

The riot which ensued caused such havoc that the military had to be called in from Bury St Edmunds to restore order.

It was the last time the Riot Act was read out in England and is reported to be the reason that Glemsford got its nickname of ‘Little Egypt’ – as the men were said to fight like Egyptians.

The special event, being organised by Glemsford Library, takes place on Friday, December 1, at 7.30pm.

The evening kicks off with an optional march to the Angel Inn which will be serving ‘Rioters Ale’ – specially brewed for the occasion by the Nethergate Brewery.

From there, people will head back to Glemsford Village Hall, where the Riot Act will be read before enjoying ‘tavern tucker’ and performances from the Glemsford Morris Men, a local raconteur, and a folk band. There will also be a licensed bar.